Sir Keir Starmer faces a significant challenge in mending ties with Donald Trump, according to the American President’s son’s harsh appraisal of the Labour Party.
A short clip circulated by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and ITV presenter Paul Brand depicted ITV News US correspondent Dan Rivers querying Donald Trump Jr at a recent rally.
During the interview, regarding allegations that Labour Party members helped Democrat Kamala Harris’ campaign, Mr Rivers asked: “The British Labour Party has been accused of interfering in this election: has that damaged the special relationship? “.
To which Donald Trump Jr responded: “It’s certainly not a great start, because it’s clear what they’re doing and it’s absolute lunacy what I say with going on in the UK right now when they’re jailing people for misgendering someone.”
He added: “I mean, it’s honestly disgusting and they should be ashamed of themselves.”
Perpetrators can face prosecution for hate crimes in cases where hostility is exhibited toward individuals due to transgender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or race, reports the Express.
Yesterday, Sir Keir Starmer reached out to Mr Trump with a “hearty congratulations” during their initial exchange following the president-elect’s victory.
Amid the controversy surrounding Labour supporters campaigning for Trump’s opponent and previous criticisms from Cabinet ministers, the Prime Minister is intent on forging strong relations with Mr Trump.
Sir Keir extended his warm regards to Mr Trump following the latter’s electoral success, a sentiment conveyed by Downing Street.
“The Prime Minister offered his hearty congratulations and said he looked forward to working closely with President-elect Trump across all areas of the special relationship.”
Downing Street revealed that both leaders acknowledged the US-UK partnership, encompassing defence and security to economic growth, to be “incredibly strong” and anticipated its continued prosperity in the future.
“The leaders fondly recalled their meeting in September and President-elect Trump’s close connections and affinity to the United Kingdom, and looked forward to working with one another.”
Previously, Sir Keir and Foreign Secretary David Lammy were known to have shared a meal with Mr Trump at his New York establishment, Trump Tower.
Nonetheless, recent events saw the Republican contender’s campaign lodge an official grievance about Labour party affiliates supporting Ms Harris.
When queried on whether the Prime Minister broached the topic of Ukraine during his conversation with the president-elect, Cabinet Office minister McFadden told Sky News: “I’m not sure. To be honest, I think it was more a ‘congratulations on your win’ call.”
“We’ve just been through a election campaign a few months ago here.”
“So we know how stressful these things can be. There’s always a relief if you get to the end of it.”